Stanton was founded by Thomas and James McGrath. They established a post office in December 1882. It was named for their mother, whose maiden name was Stanton.

Stanton was platted in March 1883 and was filed at the Register of Deeds office in Morton County, Dakota Territory. Surveyor work was done by H.H. Harmon.

Some of the earliest settlers include August Borner, Edward Heinemeyer, George Williams, John Wee, Ed Councilman, David Enyart, Henry Loy, Joseph Stephens, George Knoop, Charles Egar, Magnus Swanson, Hellick Bagley, Herman Danielson, Frank Ankarberg, William Jones, D.E. Wood, A.C. McCrorie, all settled in the area in the 1880's.